The standoff, summarized
An electronic sign at the Ronkonkoma LIRR station Friday night Credit: Newsday/John Paraskevas
As the clock ticks down to a possible LIRR strike, catch up on Newsday transportation reporter Alfonso A. Castillo's last comprehensive recap of the standoff between the MTA and railroad workers, which summed up the heart of the dispute, as it stood at the start of the day:
MTA officials have expressed concern that giving in to the LIRR unions’ demands could result in other, larger unions wanting the same terms — potentially breaking the bank for the MTA.
To keep costs down, the MTA wants to pay LIRR raises in a fourth year of their contract using a one-time lump sum. The unions have dismissed that offer as a “gimmick" and are insisting on raises.
. . .
The unions rejected the same deal already accepted by most other MTA unions, including some at the LIRR. That three-year agreement gave workers raises of 3% in each of the first two years, and 3.5% in the third year. That pay will be retroactive, since the first year of the contract dates back to 2023.
Arguing that the raises don’t keep up with the high cost of living increases in recent years, nor with raises handed out to workers at other major railroads, the unions have demanded a fourth year at 5%.
Service restarts at noon Tuesday The MTA and the LIRR unions have reached an agreement to end the 3-day transit strike. NewsdayTV's Pat Dolan reports.
